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Associate Publisher

Contracts and Licensing Manager

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SYBEX is a registered trademark ofSYBEX Inc.

Strategies &. Secrets is a trademark ofSYBEX Inc.

FALLOUT 2: A POST-NUCLEAR ROLE PLAYING GAME: ©1998 Interplay Productions. All rightsreserved. Fallout, Interplay, the Interplay logo, Black Isle Studios, the Black Isle Studios logo, and “By

Gamers. For Gamers.” are trademarks of Interplay Productions. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and

copyrights are properties of their respective owners.

TRADEMARKS: SYBEX has attempted throughout this book to distinguish proprietary trademarks fromdescriptive terms by following the capitalization style used by the manufacturer.

The author and publisher have made their best efforts to prepare this book. The author and the publishermake no representation or warranties of any kind with regard to the completeness or accuracy of the contents

herein and accept no liability of any kind including but not limited to performance, merchantability, fitness

for any particular purpose, or any losses or damages of any kind caused or alleged to be caused directly or

indirectly from this book.

Copyright ©1999 SY^EX Inc., 1151 Marina Village Parkway, Alameda, CA 94501. World rights reserved.No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, includ-ing but not limited to photocopy, photograph, magnetic or other record, without the prior agreement and

written permission of the publisher.

Library of Congress Card Number: 98-87284

ISBN: 0-7821-2415-1

Manufactured in the United States ofAmerica

10987654321

ROGER STEWART

KRISTINE PEACHY

DAN BRODNITZ

TORY MCLEARN

RONN JOST

ANDREA POX

MUELLER DESIGN INTERACTIVE

WILLIAM SALIT DESIGN

LISA LUSK

CALYX DESIGN

To my wife, Monica, for her love, wit, and inspiration.

And to my parents, who deserve special mention for putting up with the dice, figures,

and weird books for all those years.

Also, to the team ofFallout2 that made this all possible. Without their unflagging

determination to make the best computer role-playing game ever, and the long hours

devoted to making this dream a reality, none ofus would ever have been able to roam the liv-

ing Wastes.

/4ciitt9€i(ACed^«H€*ttA

Special thanks arc due to the people that helped to make this book, as well as the great game

it describes, possible.

I’d like to thank the Division Director of Black Isle, and my Co-Lead Designer onFallout 2, Feaigus Urquhart, for his vision and belief in the potential ofour team and our

creation. Also, for ^ving us the time we needed to polish a very good game into a truly great

game.

Many ofthe people on the Fallout 2 team took extra time out oftheir hectic 16*hour

days to help me get the information! needed to make this book possiblc.The DesignTeam,

Chris Avellonc, David “Zeb” Cook,John Dciley, Dave Hendee, Colin McComb, Jason

Suinn, and Feargus Urquhart each gave up valuable sleep in order tp go over the latest addi*

tions to each oftheir areas. Jesse Reynolds, our Lead Programmer, deserves kudos for tire-

lessly explaining to me just how the game engine really works. Our Lead Artists, Gary

Plainer andTrameU“T-ray” Isaac, have earned my thanks and admiration for their help increating more art than should have been humanly possible for the game and for this book.

Jason Suinn worked above and beyond the call ofduty in piecing together the fiiil-level

maps for this book—as well as keeping track ofthe literally thousands ofmap revisions.I’d like to thank Marti Cadenasso for putting the wonderful, patient, highly skilled staff

at Sybex and 1 together in order to create this book. Particular thanks to both Dan Brodnitz

and Tory McLeam for their patience, teaching, and trust as we rode the creative roller-coaster together.

My thanks to each ofthe sleep-deprived members ofthe Fallout 2 team here at BlackIsle Studios as well as Sybex for making a groundbreaking computer role-playing game, and

a strategy guide that does itjustice.

1PARTI: WELCOME TO THE WASTESCHAPTER 1

CREATING THE CHOSEN ONEBUILDING CHARACTER

Charisma Boy

Combat Boy

Stealth Boy

THEM’S FIGHTIN’ WORDSGeneral Combat Tips

Different Strokes for Different Folks

HOWTO MAKE FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLETown Reputation

Karma

CHAPTER 2

HERE ABIDE MONSTERSAbominations

Brahmin

Dcathdaws

Dogs

Geckos

Insects

Rats

Robots

Spore Plants

Turrets

Wanamingos

WASTRELS OF THE WASTELANDSTravelers

Strangers

Friends

CHAPTER 3

'THtnamWEAPONS

Small Guns

Big Guns A

..6

..9

10

11

12

13

14

17

.19

19

21

26

26

27

.27

.28

29

30

.31

.32

.34

.34

.35

.35

.36

.36

.37

.44

.46

.52

•A

Table

of

Contents

Energy Weapons 54

Ihiarmed 58

M416e Weapons 59

Throwing Weapons 61

ARMOR 62Leather Jacket 64

Leather Armor 64Metal Armor 65Combat Armor 65Tesla Armor 66Power Armor 66

CHAPTER 4

'Darnysmtutwwein^sBETTER LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY ‘ 70

Antidote 70

Beer 71

Booze 71

Buffout 72

Healing Powder 72

Jet 73

Mutated Fruit 73

, Mentats 74

Nuka Cola 74

Psycho 75

RadAway 75Rad-X 76Stimpack 76

Super Stimpack 77

Cheezy Poofs 77

Tragic the Garnering™ 78

USEFUL THINGS 78Tools 78

Explosives 83

Keys 85

Reading Materials 86

Ravioli, Reptiles, and Radscorpion Tails 88

Junk 89

UNIQJJE THINGS 92

w

PART ft: TRAVELS OF THE CHOSEN ONE 102CHAPTER S

ITHc dtoscnOne 700THE LEGEND 108AREA DESCRIPTIONS 110

CHAPTER «

'Strange'Mappcniwwgsana'DcspcraTc 'Beginnings ___ 777CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OFTHE RANDOM KIND 114SPECIAL HAPPENINGS IIS

The Best of Times 116The Worst ofTimes 118

ARROYO 119The Path of the Chosen One 120The Lay of the Land 121

KLAMATH 123The Path of the Chosen One 124The Lay of the Land 125

THE DEN 129The Path of the Chosen One 130The Lay of the Land 130

CHAPTER 7

77c#rnne«^ 'MiUBiitBes,nna^i^ixens 770

MODOC 136The Path of the Chosen One 136The Lay of the Land 136

VAULT CITY 140The Path of the Chosen One 140The Lay of the Land 141

GECKO 146The Path of the Chosen One 146The Lay of the Land 147

BROKEN HILLS ISOThe Path of the Chosen One 150The Lay of the Land 151

V#/

Table

of

Contents

Fallout

2

Strategies

&

Secrets

CHAPTEB 8

NEW RENO 156The Path of the Chosen One 156

The Lay of the Land 156

THE RAIDERS 167The Path of the Chosen One 167

The Lay of the Land 167

CHAPTER 9

CMsns €an€t

THE ENCLAVE 228The Path of the Chosen One 1 228

The Lay of the Land 229

APPENDIX A

Jt ofrtwUout:CHAPTER 6 AREA MAPS 240

Arroyo 240

Klamath 247

The Den 254

CHAPTER 7 AREA MAPS 256Modoc 256

Vault City 264

Gecko 269

Broken Hills 273

CHAPTER 8 AREA MAPS 276New Reno 277The Raiders 287

CHAPTER 9 AREA MAPS 289The Sierra Army Depot 290

Redding 295

CHAPTER 10 AREA MAPS 301The New California Republic (NCR) 303Vault IS 306

The Military Base 309

Vault 13 312

CHAPTER 11 AREA MAPS 315Navarro 316

San Francisco 319

The Enclave 327

APPENDIX B

t:Hc l/Sim/rCREATING SOME FALLOUT 334

The Doodling in Your Head Stage 334

The Spinning Wheel Stage 335

The Trial by Fire Stage 336

ix

Table

of

Contents

0n€€tiH^, 0»teHerding your vUjagc’s placid, two-headed cattle, called brahmin, in the drought-baked fields

is dusty work. But when the village Elder summons you, that means rum—no time forcleanup. The rain spirits haven’t visited the village ofArroyo for seven years, and the drought

has brought great hardship to your people. The despair you see in the face ofthe Elder as

you enter her tent is deeply unsettling. As

she stares at you so intently with those

bright eyes—oddly out ofplace on herwizened face—you wonder why she hascalled for you.

Truly, you are the Chosen One. It is to

you that we turn as ourArroyo—our village,

ourhome—fates its hour ofgreatest need In

all theyears since our ancestor, the Vault

Dweller,foundedArroyo, ourpeople have

known hardship many times. But never before

has our village sufferedso longaperiodof

trial. The wells are almost dry, crops wither in

thefields, the oldandtheyoung alike sicken, andourbrahmin are dying.

We have one hope. Chosen One—an object spoken ofin the sacred text ofour ancestor. It is thebirthright ofourpeople, the Garden ofEden Creation Kit, the wondrous GECK. Only that can

save us now.

Listen Chosen, andI willtellyou a tale ofyourpeople, thatyou may learn thepromise ofthe

GECK. Whenyour ancestor was castfrom the Vault ofthe Holy 13 over 80years ago, heandothers

who would escape the tyranny ofthe Vault ofthe Holy 13 traveled north. For months theyjour-

neyed, through the beast-haunted radioactive Wastes leflfrom the great bum in the beforetimes, to

distance themselvesfrom the Vault. Finally, they came to afertile valley nestledbehind a deepgorge,

ourArroyo. Here they settled, and ourpeopleprosperedon this land The Vault ofthe Holy 13, which

yourpeople had lefl behind, was rememberedonly in the shrine ofyour ancestor. The Vault Suit, the

holy Survival Guide, andother sacredartifacts were nearlyforgotten butforfesti-

valdays.

Now, though, things are different. Yourpeople suffer, andthe Elders have turned to the holy

Vault Dweller's Survival Guidefor help in these dark times. The sacred text mentions the Garden

ofEden Creation Kit—an amazing devicefrom the bejbretimes that can turn any land into an

X

earthlyparadise. We cannot last much longer without the salvation that the GECKpromises.Although theHoly 13 abandonedour ancestor, they cannot turn their hacks on us now.

You shallwear the mystic Vault Suit ofour ancestor with the holy '13'emblazonedupon itso

that they will recognizeyou as the righful heir to thepromise ofthe GECK. You must travelthe

Wastes tofindthe Vault ofthe Holy 13 andthen demand the GECK. This is the only way ourpeople

mayyet be saved.

Ibelieve inyou. Chosen One. However, others needevidence ofyour worthiness to be our emis-

sary to theHoly 13. You must brave the Temple ofTrials toproveyourselfto those who wouldques-

tion my choice tfyou as oursavior. Ihave no doubt thatyou willshowyourselfto be a worthy

championfor our village. . .

.

Onceyoupass the Temple trials,you will needwisdom that only experience can giveyou. There

is no timeforyou to learn all thatyou need to know onyour own, so I will togiveyou what help 1

can. 1 have read the holy Vault Dweller's Survival Guide as wellas other tomes savedpom thepres

ofthe beforetimes. Our village's own record, Book ofthe Elders, also containsgreat wisdom.

When ourpeople's wisdom may helpyou, 1 will offer it. Our ancestors andI willguideyou as best

we can.

Fear not. Chosen One—the strength ofthe Vault Dweller runs strong inyour veins. Iknowthatyou shall notfail us. Your quest begins.

—Steea/U ptam tit of tdc SieUna ' SeaaoK

The sort of spiritual overview and guidance that the village Elder offers is both enlight-

ening and inspiring. However, before your journey s through, you’ll need more practical

advice than the Elder could ever give you. As one ofthe Lead Designers ofFallout 2, 1 want

to make sure that you enjoy exploring the world that I’ve helped to create as much as I

enjoyed maldng it. By reading this strategy guide, you’ll learn how to explore every nook and

cranny of the postnuclearWastes—the what, where, and how, as weU as the why, thingswork the way they do.This book will be your backstage pass—an insight into not just thegame itself, but the thinking and design behind the game as well.

^ On^duUfecCTwo primary types ofinformation will keep you alive and kicking as you make your way

through the game. In the first part ofthe book, you’ll find general knowledge about what it

takes to survive in the world ofFallout2—which skills are going to keep breath in your body,which skills you shouldn’t bother with, as well as who and what you’ll find out there. The

Xt

How

This

Book

Is

Organized

How

This

Book

Is

Organized

fr-

second part ofthe book consists ofa guided tour through all of the areas that you’ll find in

the Wastes. Each part ofthe world has its own set ofhazards—you’ll get a down-and-dirtypractical education about each one of them. Knowing who or what to see, what to ask, and

when to keep your laser pistol handy will do more than just keep you alive—that knowledgeis your ticket to the salvation ofyour vill^;e and victory. The appendices feature detailed

maps for every area in the game and an inside look at the making ofFallout 2.

You’ll reap the greatest benefit by reading the whole book. However, ifyou need help in

Just one area, each section stands on its own—you can turn to the appropriate chapter ofthebook to read the information you need right then and there. Here’s an over\dew ofthe way

I’ve organized the book.

Part 1: Welcome to the Wastes The first portion ofthe book covers the people, critters, and

objects that you’ll find in the Wastes, as well as what you need to know to deal with them.

Chapter 1: Survival Strategies Properly preparing yourself for your quest is halfthe battle.

Chapter2: Dwellers ofthe Wastes It takes all kinds. Here’s where you can learn about the

good, the bad, and the plain old ugly critters you may meet.

Chapters: Needful Things Here, you’ll learn everything you need to know about all the

weapons and armor—the tools that vtiU keep you alive in the Wastes.Chapter4: PrettyDam Useful Things There are many other useful items out there, and a lotofjunk, too.This chapter spells out which is which.

Part2: Travels of the Chosen One The second part ofthe book features a detailed, area-by-

area tour ofthe Wastes.

Chapters: The Story ofthe Chosen One In this chapter, you’ll learn the optimal story line for

the PC to follow through the game, but it's not the only one.

Chapters: Strange Happenings andDesperate Beginnings Strange things happen in the

Wastes. This chapter covers the random encounters you may have along the way and your

first three destinations: Arroyo, Klamath, and the Den.

Chapter?: Mutants, Hillbillies, and Citizens The next towns on your tour—Modoc, VaultCity, Gecko, and Broken Hills—are full of unusual folks.Chapters: Bright Lights, Big City The lights arc up and the battery’s down in “the biggest lit-

tle city in the world.” Areas: New Reno and the Raiders.

Chapters: Guns and Gold A forgotten army post and a gold-mining boom town will keepyou busy here. Areas: the Sierra Army Depot and Redding.

JC//

Chapter 10: BearOags and Burrows A new republic and buried secrets ofthe past haunt thispart ofthe Wastes. Areas: the New California Republic (NCR), Vault 15, the Military Base,

and Vault 13.

Chapter 1 1: To the Great Salt andBeyond By the sea, by the beautiful sea, mystery and peril

abound. Areas: Navarro, San Francisco, and the Enclave.

Appendix A:A World of Fallout This first appendix contains maps ofevery town and adven-

ture area in the game. The maps follow the order in which the areas are described in the sec-

ond part ofthe book.

Appendix B: Inside the Vault Appendbc B covers the hectic, enjoyable, and often just plain

wacky process ofmaking Fallout 2.

Now move closer to the campfire, and I’ll tell you what it’ll take to save your villagefrom the grudgingjaws of the Wastes. Listen closely, young warriors, and you just may live

to be old warriors....

—Matt Norton, October 1998

As we went to press, word came from the devel-

opers that some of the weapon variables might be

slightly tweaked at the wire. None of these

changes will have any signficant impact on game-

play or weapons balance, so in the interests of

getting this book in the hands of the lucky folks

who play the game the first weekend it's out, we're

going to make the unual choice of running with

what we have. In the off-chance that the numbers

do shift a little, be sure to go to the Sybex Web site

(www.sybex.com) to get the any and all updates.

xiii

How

This

Book

Is

Organized

PART ItWelcome to t

Our young hunters and warriors have much

to learn about the worldaround them. The

Pastes are vastand unforgiving. Teaching

will give our young ones knowledge, if

they heedmy tired words, but only time

will give them wisdom. I pray that the

spirits give them the time they need.

—SxeetjU ale Sea^la^Ole2S0tA SeaeoK

w

^P_ hera’s no prize for second place in Fallout2~eiti\6rr you learn howto move with the sand or you get buriedbeneath it In Chapter 1, I’ll showyou howto move with thesand—creating and building a successful Player Character (PC),

W fighting effectively or avoiding combat altogether, and using TownReputation and Karma to your advantage.

Most of the world is very different titan the village where you start

your journey. You'll run into many strange creatures and, often, stranger humans. Chapter 2

details all the monsters, humans, and near humans you’ll encounter in Fallout 2. To survive,

you'll need to know what sorts of things you can scrounge up or, better yet, take from those

strangers. There’s a lot of junk, but you’ll know where to go to get the good stuff—the Kernsthat will keep you alive and dangerous. Chapter 2 covers the essentials—weapons and

armor. Chapter 3 describes the rest of the items in the game, including the drugs.

You'll become a lean, mean, village-saving (maybe even world-saving) machine. If you

remember to listen closely and learn what I have to tell you, your success is as certain as

the promise of the GECK's salvation.

/ have noticed that those ofour tribe who would

travelbeyond the Great Bridge ofour village share

similar qualities. Theyseekpaths beyond the trails

trodden from village to pasture, and to fieldand back./

More than that, those restless souls that survive and

return to us seem to have an inner focus that gives

them strength in time of need. This focus, Iam con-

vinced, is what separates those who return to us from

those who return only to the bosom ofour ancestors.

0 getthe maximum enjoymentfrom playing

Fallout2, iO\i need to create the best possible

character. When I say best, I don't mean the best in

terms of the game, I mean the best in terms of your own

preferences in gameplay and problem solving. Some players

enjoy shooting their way through problems, others want to sneak

around them, and still others would like to talk their way out of a jam. We've

worked hardto make sure that there are almost as many ways of doing

things in the Wastes as there are in the real world. So, there are quite a few

ways to make the best character. This chapterwill help you make the char-

acter who's best for you, no matter which style of play you enjoy most.

I’ll explain howto create a great character and howto nurture your bud-

ding hero through those rocky firstfew

levels. A good understanding of com-

battactics is also vital to your charac-

ter's survival, so I'll go over the

strategies that will enable you not just

to survive, but to conquer. All the may-

hem that you'll learn to effectively cre-

ate will influence the way other

characters react to you. So, the final

thing that I'll explain in this chapter is

how and why people in the game react

to your character the way they do.

Chapter

1:

Survivai

Strategies

Me OtteUnlike many other role-playing games, Fallout2 has no rigidly defined character roles. You

can easily design a beginning character to do a little bit ofeverything—although they won’tdo anything particularly well. For the Player Character (PC) you create to survive, you’ll

have to specialize in a few key Statistics (Stats) and Skills. Later on, once you’ve acquired a

bit ofexperience, you’ll be able to branch out and gain expertise in other sluUs.

Although you have the freedom to create almost any sort ofcharacter that you want, we

designed the game with three types ofcharacter in mind. Each ofthe three types is defined by

the way they go about doing things and solving problems. Each is built to excel at one style of

play. Narg is a simple-minded combat machine. Mingan is a well-balanced characterwho

relies upon stealth and stealing (see Figure 1.1). While Chitsa has weak combat skills, she can

use her high Charisma and communication skills to influence people (see Figure 1.2).

Charisma Boy—Personable and well spoken, he can convince others to seethings his way.

Combat —He can kill everyone or everything that stands in his way. Asdetailed below, there are also two subsets to this category, Short Range and

Long Range Combat Boy.

Stealth Boy—He can sneak by or around any obstacle.

M**)!*? »fht« Mta

In **•« cnkifM* «f IwvtriT^imT ju»*»!%.rr«t«n IM* l*Brnn< tndMi artb 0*1 ef

Chitsa relies on

her power of

persuasion.

CHAP'V'TER ^E‘.ECT!*)N

'XAK *rTF'~Figure 1.2

We designed the majority ofquests in Fallout2 to have more than one solution. Havinga variety ofpossible solutions makes for a more entertaining and realistic gameworld. In real

life, there is rarely only one way to skin a cat.When the development team constructed thegame quests, we asked ourselves, “How would a stealthy character solve this quest,” or

“Could a character conceivably talk their way through here?” Since Fallout's mascot charac-

ter is the Pip-Boy, we started to refer to each ofthe three types as an A-Boy of the appropri-

ate type.

You can, ofcourse, create a successful female character in Fallout2, but Pip-Person (and

by extension, Charisma Person) just didn’t sound that good.

Here's an example ofour thinking when we constructed the game. Suppose some

Raiders have kidnapped a child.

Charisma Boy could convince a wavering guard to free the tyke, using the argu-

ment that children just shouldn’t be used as hostages.

Creating

the

Chosen

One

Chapter

1:

Survival

Strategies

Combat Boy could solve the quest by attacking the bandits and killing all who

stand in the vray of freeing the child.

Stealth Bey could sneak into the camp, pick the lock of the child’s cell, and get

away without any of the bandits noticing.

What makes one type ofcharacter different from another are the Statistics and Tag

Skills that you select when you create your PC. Stats will not change over the course ofthe

game, and, as alluded to earlier, you don’t have enough extra stat points to do everythingwe]!,

so choose these carefully. Skills that areTagged can improve at twice the speed ofun-Tagged

skills. When you create your character, you are allowed only three Tag Skills. You won’t get

any moreTag Skills later on, nor are you allowed to reselect yourTag Skills once you start

playing. Therefore, the Stat andTag Skill choices you make during character creation will

determine your style ofplay for a large part ofthe game. Use the information in Table 1.1 to

make the best choice of Stats andTag Skills for your PC.

Table 1. 1: Styles ofCharacters

1 PCTYPE STRENGTHS SUGGESTEDSTATS

SUGGESTED 1TAG SKILLS |

Charisma Boy Has the gift of gab; can

talk their way out of orinto things; can gain

many companions;shrewd sales skills makehigh profits

Charisma 9-f

Intelligence 8+Perception 7+

SpeechBarter

Outdoorsman orSmall Guns

Combat Boy Good at both ranged andmelee combat; can fighttheir way past almostany obstacle

Agility 8-r-

Strength 8+

Small GunsEnergyWeaponsMeleeWeapons

Long RangeCombat Boy(Sniper)

Can reach out and inflictpain from a distance

Agility 8+Perception 8+LuckSf

Small GunsBig GunsEnergyWeapons

Short RangeCombat Boy(Martial Artist)

Must get up close andpersonal to hurt others

Agility 9-f

Strength 84-

Endurance 7-f

UnarmedMeleeWeaponsSneak or First Aid

Stealth Boy Prefers sneaking andfilching rather than

open combat

Agility 8-f

Perception 7-f

Intelligence 6-f

SneakLockpick

Steal

I

Each type ofPC is equally effective, and different styles ofplay appeal to different sorts ofplayers. Ifyou like combat and revel in weaponry, create a Combat character. Ifyou prefer

patiently sneaking around

and out-thinking your

opponents, a Stealth Boy is

more your style. Ifyou pre-

fer verbal fencing to the

6pee, a Charisma BoyPCis foryou. You can build an

almost infinite variety of

successful male and female

characters in Fallout!.

Above all, you should pick

a PC that you’ll enjoy play-ing the game with—thereis no single most-effective

Don’t create a character with an

Intelligence Stat lower than 4. A

character with a lower

Intelligence will talk and be

treated like an idiot, and many

quests and opportunities will be

closed to them.

type ofPC.

Your character may eventually mature into a hybrid, but you’ll still solve problems using

skills associated with one ofthe three basic types ofPCs (talking, fighting, or sneaking).

Throughout the rest ofthe book. I’ll showyou the best way for each ofthe three PC types tosolve a problem. For quest solutions, both the Long Range Sniper and the Short Range

Martial Artist fall into the category ofthe general-purpose Combat Boy archetype—they’reboth combat characters; their only difference is a distance preference.

Once you’ve created yourperfect PC, you’ll need to know a few things to get them past

those first few hazardous experience levels.

Building a beginning character into a hero oflegendary stature isn’t something to take for

granted. Your PC starts the game dangerouslyweak compared to most ofthe creatures thatlive in the Wastes.To survive, you must rapidly earn Experience Points (EPs) togoup sev-

eral levels.Whether you’re a combat character or not, you’ll also want to get the best armor,

weaponry, and healing supplies you can—it’s always a good idea to be prepared for theworst. Once you’ve made it to the third level, you can relax a bit because your PC is nowcompetent enough, and tough enough, to avoid instant death. However, you’ll never be able

to let down your guard completely—the Wastes hold many perils for the unwary.

Building

Character

Chapter

1:

Survival

Strategies

Different types ofPCs gain

EPs in different ways. To maximize

your EP gain while minimizing the

risk ofyourPC getting killed, youneed to play to your strengths. As a

general rule, yourPC should dothe things that they do best to sur-

vive. Here are some strategies for

the three primary types ofPCs.

This charmer needs two things

to thrive: friends and informa-

tion. You won’t get either unless

you talk to people, so talk to

.everyone. In many cases,just

taUung to a Non-Player

Character (NPC) and using your

Speech Skill can earn your char-

acter experience points, gifts,

and other awards.

Charisma Boy is weak in

combat, but his pleasing person-

ality convince people to fol-

low him.These foUowen, or

party members, are often much

better suited to combat than

Charisma Boy is. PCs can gain a

number ofparty members equal

to halftheir Charisma Statistic

(from one to five companions).

This allows Charisma Boy to

surround himselfwith

You may select two Traits

when you create your charac-

ter. Bruiser and Heavy-

Handed are best for

close-range combat types.

Skilled and Gifted are good if

you want a fast start, but your

PC won't improve as quickly

later in his career. The only

Trait to avoid is Fast Shot

—

this seems like a good Trait

but it keeps you from using

more accurate, and therefore

damaging, attacks.

When you're just starting out on

your adventures you should save

early and save often. Your begin-

ning PC is fragile and it's less

frustrating to load a saved game

than it is to start over.

70

A/ote

bod}^ards to do his fighting for him. Charisma Boy needs informa-

tion about what’s going on in an area so that he can figure outwhich

NPCs are likely to respond profitably to his potent powers ofpersuasion.

Ifyou build your Barter Skill to 100 percent, you will start to

get close to receiring a fair value for goods you sell to merchants, i

You should pick up everything you see and sell it to buy yourself ^all the trappings ofsuccess, such as better weapons, armor, and

lots ofhealing medicine (known as Stimpacks).

This PC should lull .things. In fact, he |i \should kill every nvarmint he sees. Don’t JJ ykill the people in your

home village, but every|

rat, wild dog, and small I V / I iscorpion you encounter I -f yshould be exterminated.

| / \ JzjIt can be a bit tedious, Xbut cutting your combat / / \l 14teeth on inoffensive L yprey builds EPs safely,

While you’re doing this,

always keep a path open

to the edge ofthe map, so that you can run for

it ifyou take too much damage. Living to fight

another day is far more important than killing that

last critter.

While all PC types should snaggood combat gear, since it’s your primary

problem-solving method, it’s even morej

important for Combat Boy to score 0some armor, firearms (or a

Sledgehammer), and lots ofSrimpacks

Successful PCs of all types col-

lect whatever they find on a

corpse. Even if you have no

immediate use for an item, you

can sell it to someone who does.

Everything you find equals

money in Fallout 2's economy.

^ if any friends are travellingwith you, load them up with

—^ loot, just like two-leggedpack mules—they won't mind.

BuUding

Character

Chapter

1:

Survival

Strategies

as soon as possible. Later on down the road, you can buy these tools ofyour trade, but they’re

more expensive than you can afford at first.The best way to equip yourself is to grab gear

from recently deceased former owners. Helping reluctant owners to meet their ancestors also

nets you some EI^, so you’re benefiting in two ways at the same time.

When you’re just starting out, don’t get carried avray. Killing an isolated bandit guard is

much more likely to be profitable than attacking the bandit chieftain in his own headquar-

ters. Excessive brarado earns you nothing but an unmarked shallow grave in the Wastes.

When you gain a level, spend all ofthe Skill Points you’ve just earned on a single com-

bat skill. It doesn’t matter which combat skill you select as long as you don’t spread your

points out over more than one skill. Once you get a combat skill up to 100 percent, you can

afford to start improving other combat skills, but not before. Eventually, a Combat Boy

should be highly proficient in at least two ofthe three gun skills (Small Guns, Big Guns, and

EnergyWeapons) orboth Unarmed and Melee Weapons Skills.

Stealth

^(Kf>

.This sly devil does his

best work when borrow-

ing things fiom others

—

usually without their

knowledge or consent.

Practicing your craft in

civilized areas rather than

trekking the dusty desert

will prove much more

profitable for you. Most

townspeople carry some goods with them.You

should lighten their burden and increase your

purse at the same time. To use your Steal Skill on

someone without as great a risk ofbeing spotted,

swipe their things while you’re behind them.

Snagging lighter items is safest because taking

heavier items increases the chance that your quest-

ing fingers will be detected.

Always save the game before

attempting to steal anything. That

way, if you're spotted and an

enraged merchant or the local

constabulary gives chase, you

can load your saved game and

try again.

Shopkeepers keep most of their

money end stock behind the

counter, where it can't be pick-

pocketed. Stealth Boy PCs can

pickpocket (Steal) the items that

shopkeepers carry on their per-

sons, only to sell it right

back to them for cash or

better shop items. They'll

never be the wiser for it

One particularly

effective Stealth Boy

trick is to steal the

weapons &om guardsthatyou may have to

fight before engaging

them in combat.This

isn’t always easy, since

guards arc more obser-

vant than average

citizens. However,

dotting a disarmed

opponent’s fists is likely to be less painful than dodging an armed opponent's bullets.

You can also get into and out ofplaces by sneaking past guards using your Sneak Skill or

opening up a back door using your Lockpick Skill. One ofthe first tools that you shouldacquire is a set ofLockpicks, and then a set ofElectronic Lockpicks.The Lockpick set gives

you a bonus to open normal doors, while Electronic Lockpicks give you a similar bonus with

high-tech, electronic doors (such as elevator doors and sliding doors). In Fallout!, a charac-

ter’s ability to sneak and steal is «o/ diminished bywearing heavy armor, so you should wear

the best protection you can find. Use your Sneak Skill to avoid combats, but ifyou are

caught, remember that your character’s stats make you a good sniper as well as an effective

sneak.

There are many different ways to fight—some are a whole lot more effective than oth-ers, though. You’ll never get anywhere by bleeding foryour village—the idea is to makesome other poor schmuck bleed for theirs. The next section tells you how.

No matter what kind ofPC you end up creating and nurturing, at some point you’ll have tofight. You can complete many ofFallout2'% quests without fighting, but to finish the game,you're going to have to kill someone else before they can kill you.

The next section offers up general combat tips that apply equally to every kind ofchar-acter as well as more specific tips for each ofthe three types ofPCs.

7

Them's

Fightin'

Words

These strategies cover a wide variety ofsituations since no two combats are exactly alike.

However, ifyou remember some basic advice, you’ll be more likely to be the last one stand-

ing after a firefight.

Preparation, No ExcusesBe ready for combat at all times. Many PCs have been lost because they didn’t prepare for

battle—don’t be one ofthem. You should always have a fully loaded weapon in one hand andanother useful combat item in the other. Stimpacks, a different weapon, or even grenades

make wonderful second-hand items to carry into combat. Most ofthe citizens in Fallout2

understand that danger is always nearby, and they won’t take special notice ifyou walk

around with a weapon ready. Ifthey do, just switch the weapon to your other hand (item slot

two)—they’ll leave you alone.

Terrain, Your Lifesaver

Use the terrain on a battlefield to your advantage. There are two vrays to use terrain: as cover

and to divide your enemies. Using terrain as cover can be as simple as ducking behind a wall

after you’ve made an attack, or as elaborate as opening and closing a door—the idea is tokeep something between you and them. Ifyou can’t block all ofyour enemies by seeking

cover, block some ofthem. You are a match for almost any one enemy, but groups ofattack-

ers can tear you to ribbons. In any case, the fewer people that can attack you, the better.

Terrain can be used to divide your attackers as well, forcing part ofan attacking force

into combat so you don’t have to face all ofyour opponents at once. The best way to divide

your opponents is to lure one group ofattackers toward you and then duck back the other

way before another group can get to you. This method works especially well when your

attackers are all trying to pile through a doorway to reach you—because they have a limitedarea from which to deploy. This technique is easier ifyou have more Action Points than your

opponents, but it can be used even by slow PCs because enemies always, predictably, move

toward the last spot where they saw or heard you. In general, moving around while you’re in

combat is a good way to spread out your attackers.

IfyourPC is a close-combat PC, you’ll have an even greater need to use terrain. You

must use the lay ofthe land to keep from being riddled with bullets while you close with

your enemies. Get near your foes before you even start combat and then close with them

quickly. Some ofyour enemies may take a potshot at you while you use your fearsome fists

7

and Ripper-blade on their pals, so try to fight in areas that have some cover from long-range

gunfire (for example, inside rooms in buildings).

Distance Is Your Friend

Sure, reaching out to touch someone is nice. But for everyone other than a Martial Artist,

once you’ve got a few levels ofexperience under

your belt and you’ve brought one ofyour gun

skills up to 100 percent, you are a better marks-

man than almost every foe in the Wastes.

Longer ranges decrease your chance to

hit an opponent—however,they also decrease their

chance to hit you.

At longer ranges, you

still have a good chance to hit your foe because

your gun skill is higher than theirs, while their chances to hit you have dwindled to almost

nothing. This is especially true ifyou have any sort of rifle—enemies with pistols or othershort-range weapons will have to close with you to have any chance ofhitting. Strike from

long range and keep moving back so that your foes can’t get any closer to you.

Nighttime Is the Right Time

Darkness makes it more difficult to see and shoot things at

a distance. Picking offyour enemies is easier iftheir friends

can’t see what’s happening in the darkness, though, due to

your relative superiority when it comes to night vision.

Since darkness increases the ranged-attack penalties

for everyone, nighttime is a wonderful time to go sniping

—

it’s also the best time for close-combat PCs to stage

assaults, since they won’t be as easy to shoot before they get

close enough to attack. Ifyou’re the shooter, you’ll have the

same advantages that long-range combat gives you in day-

time, but since it’s dark, you won’t need to be so far away.

Them's

Fightin'

Words

Aim Once, KillTwice

Groups of enemies all packed together cry out for

automatic weaponry and explosives to be used on 0 aLthem. Enemies that have to move through a doorway

to get to you will often bunch up just before the doorway. ^This is an excellent time to use the grenade thatyou keep in ^^—4 i

|

your second hand. Ifyou have aweaponcapableofautomatic \ I|

\

fire, you’ll be able to waste at least two enemies in a row, and per- XmA

With Grenades or a Rocket Launcher, aim at a target in the / \

centcrofthegroup.Evenifyoumissyourselectedtaiget,the L J \ Jblast \vill still catch someone. With auto-fire weapons,

choose a target that’s second in linc.Thatway, the enemyjust in front ofyour target has a

chance to be hit by a few rounds as well. Spread the love around—there’s enough for all.

Caiiing Aii Shots

Once yourPC has a 100-percent attack skill, it’s lime to start using a mode known as a

Called or Targeted Shot. You can use a Called Shot at any skill level, but it’s most effective if

you’re already at 100 percent with the weapon you’re using. A Called Shot takes moreAction Points thana normal attack, and you have a lower chance to hit, but ifyou do hit, the

effects are devastating. With a Called Shot, aim for the eyes and the groin. Eye shots have

one ofthe lowest chances to hit, but ifyou do hit, the increased damage and chance ofan

outright kill make it well worth it.A Called Shot to the groin will usually inflict more dam-age than a normal shot, and it can both stun and knock dovm your opponent—oh, that’sgotta hurt. This move is a good second choice ifyour chance to hit the eyes is too low to be

effective.

RunAway!No matter how skilled you are in combat, a time will come when retiring from the fray is the

better part ofvalor. Remember that anyone you’ve already killed will stay dead. It’s better to

leave, heal, reload, and come back fresh and ready than to stay and die,

The best way to leave combat is to leave the map on which the fight is taking place.

Before you enter combat, try to remember where the exit hexes arc so that you can bug out if

you have to.When you are damaged to the point that two more attacks will kill you, it’s time

to leave—take offearlicrifyou’re fighting multiple attackers. Just cut and run for the exit

grid, putting cover between yourselfand your pursuers ifyou can do so withoutgoing too far

out ofyour way. The more hexes between you and your enemies, the better, since each extrahex ofdistance drops your foe’s chance to hityou significantly. Again, distance is your friend.

Some seek combat, some are bom to combat, and still others have combat thrust upon them.At some point in the game, every characterwU have to fight. The foUowing secdon lays outcombat strategies that are specific to each type ofcharacter.

Charisma BoyThis sweet talker is a lover not a fighter. Your best survival tech-

niqueis to findNPCs thatwillaccompanyyouanddo ViJmuch ofthe fighting for you. However, you won’t be

able to stay completely out ofharm’s way. You’ll still"

need to wear the most effective armor that you can get u7 ^your hands on. Your high Barter Skill should help you to ^*1/ AySTtrade for this. You also need to acquire an effective weapon.

Without many Action Points, two types of

weapon will work best for you. The first is any weapon ,

vnth an Automatic setting (i.e.. Submachine Guns, ^ ^ wAssault Rifles, and Gatling Guns); the second is a

I ||

I

”

Large weapon such as the Rocket Launcher. Using

weapons like these gives you the most firepower for your limited number ofAction Points. Justbe careful not to catch yourcompanions

with fnendly fire fiom these big-bang Cvf^

Combat BoyIfcombat is your life, a couple of

techniques will work well for you.

Ifyou're armed with a long-range

weapon such as the Hunting Rifle or

Them's

Fightin'

Words

Chapter

1:

Survival

Strategies

Laser Rifle (ifyou’re a Sniper, you definitely should have one ofthese), stand offat a distance

and plink it your foes. Usually, your higher weapon skill, especially with a high Perception

Stat, will give you a much higher chance to hit your enemies than they have ofhitting you.

In fact, ifyou’re far enough away, you maybe able to shoot enemies without them beu^ able

to see you to return fire.

Ifyou prefer short-range combat (as the Martial Artist-type character does), you’ll need

to get in close quickly, and stay there until all ofyour foes are dispatched.

Stealth Boy

You can cither sneak directly past guards or eng^e in more dangerous combats. You can also

search for a different route, fi’ee from people who would do you harm. Often, your ability to

pick locks will give you a back way into an

area. Sometimes, however, fighting is

unavoidable. Stealth Boy usually has a high

number ofAction Points and a good

Perception Stat—so ifyou do get stuck in acombat, try to stand offand use Sniper

Combat Boy tactics.

Stealth Boy excels at taking out oppo-

nents one at a time (commando style) and

then retiring—either leaving the mapentirely or hiding, only to come back and kill

again once the hubbub has died down.

Enemies in Fallout2 don’t respawn (come

back to life after they’ve been killed), so you

can take out opponents bit by bit rather than

taking on the entire horde all at once. However, any damage you’ve inflicted on a still-living

enemy will be healed once you leave the map.When necessary, your high number ofAction

Points makes you particularly adept at withdrawing from fighting—take a shot at your ene-mies and then retreat with the rest ofyour Action Points.

1

If you're getting hostile reactions

when you talk to the people in an

area, check your Town

Reputation. You may've done

something to upset the locals.

Don’t enter combat lightly—it is never without consequences. For example, the news ofyour battles may spread, and the psychic impact ofmany deaths maybecome apparent toothers in your thousand-yard stare.

OfteC

The peoples ofthe

Wastes have learned to

trust local rumor as well

as their instincts when

determining how to

react to strangers.

The cumulative impact

ofthese local rumors

is called Town

Reputation. In addi-

tion, your overall ten-

dency to commit good

or evil acts, whether

you’re seen committing

them or not, can be

sensed by some people.This tmrtnrftw/ response to you is based on your Karma. Your char-

acter’s current Karma andTown Reputation (for each town you’ve visited) are shown in yourPip-Boy, so you can check them at any time.

^efocttaUo*t

A status name is associated with yourTown Reputation in each area. These names run fromthe most liked and admired to the most despised.

Idolized—Everyone here wants to be like you.

^ Liked—People here like you.

How

to

Make

Friends

and

Influence

People

Chapter

1:

Survival

Strategies

r-5.

^ Accepted—^You’rei

I

—^You’re not a bad sort.

Neutral—^You’re OK, for now.

Disliked—Why did you have to showup here?

^ Hated—Bad PC, go away.^ Vilified—^You’re lower than a snake’s

belly, and mothers scare their children by

saying that you’ll come and get them.

What it takes to

achieve fame or notori-

ety in each area will dif-

fer from place to place.

For example, ifyou

have the reputation ofa

carefree killer in a

Raider camp, they’ll

think highly ofyou,

possibly even Idolizing

you. However, ifthe

area is a quiet farming

community, they’ll give

high marks to a kind

and considerate PC.

If, by chance, the two areas in the example above were linked, by trade or other commu-

nication, your Town Reputation in the Raider camp would carry over as a rtegaHveTovm

Reputation in the quiet farming community (where you might be universally Hated).

Town Reputation pro\ddes no gamewide reference to good or evil—it'sjust a measure ofwhat the locals think ofyou.

Everyone loves a big spender.

Buying a round or two (or more)

of drinks for the locals does

wonders for your Town

Reputation.

“T^^afumn,

UnlikeTown Reputation, Karma in Fallout! is a mea-surement ofthe psychic weight ofall ofyour actions,

rather than what people see and hear about you.

Killing people is the act most likely to change your

Karma. Ifyou kill a good person, points are subtracted

from your Karma total; ifyou kill a bad person, you will

gain some Karma (they were bad, but you still killed

them). Other actions affect your Karma as well.

Helping an old lady rescue her kitten is worth a couple

ofpositive Karma points, while evicting her from her

shack will certainly subtract from your Karma total.

Some people can sense your Karma—they will react to you ' ' 1 /based on the that they get from you. Ifyou have a nega- ^tivc Karma total, evil Raiders that can sense your Karma might

respect or even fear you, while the same negative Karma total would make peaceful farmers

who could sense your Karma scorn you. Ifyou do enough good acts, or enough bad acts, tochange your Karma total beyond certain levels, you will a gain a special status and benefits.

The effects ofacquiring certain levels ofKarma are shown inTablc 1.2. As soon as youpass a Karma total, you will gain the benefits ofthat Karma status. Bear in mind that you

could gain a Karma status in one day, only to lose it the next, since your Karma is always

changing—up or down—due to your actions.

Table 1JZ: Karma Levels and Effects

1 KARMA TOTAL STATUS BONUS 1+1000 Savior of theWasteland +20 points to Reaction, +8 to

Armor Class, +3 points of damageper hit

+750 Guardian of theWastes +15 points to Reaction, +4 toArmor Class, +2 points of damageper hit

+500 Shield of Hope +10 points to Reaction, +2 toArmor Class

+250 Defender +5 points to Reaction

How

to

Make

Friends

and

Induence

People

1 KARMA TOTAL STATUS BONUS 1

0 Wanderer None

-250 Betrayer -5 pointsto Reaction, +4HP

-500 Sword of Despair -10 points to Reaction, +8 HP

-750 Scourge of theWastes -15 pointsto Reaction, +14 HP, +1

point of damage per hit

-1000 Demon Spawn -20 points to Reaction, +22 HR +2points of damage per hit

Whateveryou do in the course ofyour travels, it will have an effect on you, as well as on

the world around you. Think before you act—oryou may live to regret your haste, ifyou’relucl^'.

Know that our tribe is not aione in the Wastes. Many

strange and dangerous creatures liveJustbeyond the

Great Bridge. Some, although ofunusual visage, are

friendly to our kind, but most are best treated with

caution. If you travel the Wastes, remember the exile

of our revered ancestor, who was cast out by bis own

kind from the Vault of the Holy 13. Indeed, many of the

fearsome creatures almost defy description, but the

most monstrous by far, and the most dangerous, is

man.

— tic ^9«t9^tic Stclou,' tS7ti SeacMt

he Elder speaks the truth. Many unusual

beasts crawl the desert, and humankind isthe

most dangerous. To help you face these perils, I'll

equip you with the most powerful weapon of all

—

knowledge.

The different types of creatures that make their homes in

the Wastes are listed in alphabetical order. Then, the different types of

humans that lead their lives in the great dust will be paraded before you.

Listen closely, and learn of those you mustface.

Only by learning about the creatures that live in the Wastes will you be

able to make your way amongst them. Both two- and four-legged creatures

may aid or hinder your progress. Often, knowing more about those that you

will encounter will enable you to turn those with harmful intentions into

allies. Failing that, at least you'll know better howto deal with the worst each

critter can dishout

Chapter

2:

Dwellers

of

the

Wastes

•.:h'

kuill

Life has taken many diverse paths to survive in the radioactive deserts. Some creatures will

be familiar to you, others may have haunted your n^htmares. Information is the key to

meering these creatures on their own terms and defeating them.

Peculiarities ofeach creature’s habits or tactics are detailed for you. Then, a short list of

information about each creature you’ll encounter in the Wastes is presented. The number of

Hit Points (HPs) that each creature can take before dying is shown in the first column ofthe

list.The second column shows the range ofdam^e that the creature’s attacks cause. Ifa

creature has more than one attack, the damage caused by each attack is shown separately.

The final column shows how much EPs you earn for slaying one of the critters.The EPs are

shown as a range rather than a precise amount since you’ll get more EPs for killing a tougher

creature.

Every creature that walks, crawls, or slithers through the Wastes is hungry, and you look

a lot like dinner.

/46w*UtuttiOHA

^any years ago, the Master, an insane doctor who attempted to become master of all

humanity, tried to create guardians through gene splicing.The original Vault Dweller, your

ancestor, stopped him before he could complete his plans. Unfortunately, some ofhis extra-

ordinarily tough creations have oudived him and continue to roam the Wastes. Centaurs

and Floaters are often found together, as though they feel some sort ofkin-

ship for one another.

Centaurs

The Centaur, so named for its many malformed legs, is tough and strong,

but quite stupid. Keep your distance from this creature while you shoot it to

death.

Floaters

Floaters hover by, manufacturing and storing noxious gases in their flotation

bladders. They’re stupid, but move fast and are very difficult to kill. Floaters

,1

f

will try to surround you, so keep your distance.The gases that allow them to float turn them

into a wonderfiilflambi when you crisp them with fire or energy weapons.

1 CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE EPS 1

Centaurs 150-175 1-15 650-900

Floaters 175-200 1-15 750-1000

You have little to fear from these peaceful two-headed cows. Placid brahmin

are the major meat source in most settlements, and they will avoid combat

whenever possible.

1 CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE EPs 1

Brahmin 30-65 1-9 40-120

Deathclaws were originally created to replace humans during close-combat search-and-

destroy missions. They were derived from mixed animal stock and then refined by the

Master, using genetic manipulation.The resulting creature is almost unbelievably fast and

powerful. Deathclaws are well named—they are the toughest animals that you wUencounter in the Wastes.

tUnless you have Combat Armor, extremely heavy weaponry, and a lot ofStimpacks,

running for the exit hexes at the first sign ofa Dcathclaw is your best chance ofsurrival. If

you’re well equipped and want to stick it out, though, get in at least one shot at long range,

because Deathclaws move so fast that you’re unlikely to get another long-range attack as

they charge you. They'll always close rapidly so they can use their powerful claws to tear and

rend you. For maximum damage, use a Called Shot to the eyes when you shoot them.

However, even with Called Shots, you’ll need several good hits to put a Deathclaw down

—

use extreme caution (and save often) when fighting them.

Here

Abide

Monsters

CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE

CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE

Adutt Deathclaws

What does an Adult Deathclaw eat? Whatever it wants to. The Adult

Deathclaw is always at the top ofthe food chain wherever it happens to be.

Often, several Deathclaws live together and protect an Alpha-female with a

brood ofeggs. When you run into one Deathclaw, look around—therealmost certainly will be more.

Baby Deathclaws

The Baby Deathclaw is a smaller version of its parents. It’s not cute and cud-

dly, though; in fact, it’s still extremely dangerous. Deathclaws cut their young

loose early, so the presence ofa Baby Deathclaw doesn’t necessarily mean

that mom or dad are nearby. However, that won’t make yourjob much easier.

Intelligent Deathclaws

Intelligent Deathclaws come in both adult and baby sizes.They don’t look difterent from

other Deathclaws, but they do act differently—at least when they’re not angry. IfaDeathclaw doesn’t charge you on sight, it may be intelligent—it’s possible to talk to^Intelligent Deathclaws. However, Intelligent Deathclaws have the same ferocious abandon

in combat as their dimmer brethren, so a policy ofditente is definitely not recommended.

Adult Deathclaws 750-1750170-310

Baby Deathclaws

Some dogs have remained domesticated pets, but many more have turned

feral and hunt the dusty Wastes in packs. The dogs that survived the

radioactive fires are a larger, and tougher, breed—now almost wolf-sized.You won’t encounter any rabid toy poodles in your travels.

Geckos are mutated lizards prized for their sleek and durable hides. Most Geckos are peace-

ful, unthreatening creatures. However, ifone Gecko is attacked, the rest ofthe Geckos in the

area will converge on the attacker. Ifyou let them surround you, they can be dangerous, so

make certain thatyou leave an escape route open, or use cover (for example, stand in a door-

way) so that they can come atyou only one at a time.

Silver Geckos

The Silver Geckos are the least offensive ofthe Geckos—they’renot very aggressive, and ifyou knowhowtoskin them, each hide is

worth $25.

Golden Geckos

The same toxic conditions that turn a Golden Gecko’s hide into

that rich, golden color cause their attacks to irradiate you. Due to

their relative rarity and the danger ofacquiring them, Golden

Gecko hides are worth $125 apiece.

Fire Geckos

Fire Geckos are especially tough and can actually breath fire. No one knows what toxic sub-

stances are combined in their gut to make their breath fiery.Their hides are far too mangy

and burnt to be worth

anything.

The technique for skinning

Geckos can be learned only from

a character named Smiley, in

Klamath, as a reward for saving

him from the Toxic Caves.

Here

Abide

Monsters

1 CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE EPS 1

Silver Geckos 25-35 1-3 55-60

Golden Geckos 45-65 1-6 135-210

FireGedcos 70-80 Melee: 1-17; 250-260

Flame-breath: 35-^0

Insects arc some ofthe most durable creatures on the earth—they nibbled on dinosaurs wayback when, and they’re still here after the atomic fireballs scorched the earth. Unfortunately,

they’ve gotten larger and more ^gressive.

GiantAnts

Ants arc usually harmless, but these Giant Ants sure aren’t. They’re

fiercely protective ofthe areas that they inhabit. They’re also a lot

like potato chips, you can neverjust have one. Make sure that you

aren’t surrounded by these dangerous pests.

Mantises

Mantises are quick and travel in groups large enough to quickly

surround you, preventingyour escape while you’re munched into

Mantis mouthfuls. Killing them at a distance is best, but ifyou’re

close, fight only one at a time and keep mowng back, so they can’t

surround you.

Sma/I Radscorpions

Small Radscorpions are the size oflarge dogs—if large dogs hadpoisonous stingers. Because ofthe Small Radscorpion’s stinger, you

should fight defensively. Use any extra Action Points to retreat one

hex after your attack. 'This forces the Radscorpion to use an Action

Point to get close enough to attack you during their turn—leavingthem with only enough Action Points to make one attack.

Ifyou do get poisoned, it will wear offin a few days at most—just make sure you haveaccess to plenty ofhealing or apoison antidote.

Large Radscorpions

Lai^ Radscorpions are bi^r, meaner, tougher, and hungrier than

Small Radscorpions, but other than that, they’re pretty much the

same. Fight these Radscorpions using the same defensive tech-

niques that you’ve learned for fighting the subcompact version.

These bigger bugs pve you a bonus for killing them—you can cutofftheir tail and sell it (for 110).The poison sacs in their tail are

used for creating a poison antidote.

1 CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE EPS 1

GiantAnt 6-12 1-4 25-50

Mantises 14-30 1-6 70

Small Radscorpions 10-12 1-6 + poison 55-60

Large Radscorpions 26 1-8 + poison 110

Just as insects have survived the radioactive clouds, so too has humanity’s old fiiend—the rat.

Normal Rats

These range fiom your typical starving, disease-ridden wharfrats

to a somewhat larger—and hungrier—mutant. Chihuahua-sizedrat. All rats run in packs, but they’re not usually very dangerous. At

lovrer levels, rat extermination is a ready source ofExperience

Points,

Pig Rats

These are larger, hairless, burrowing rats. It’s unknown whether

they’re a rat-pig h)i3rid or an entirely new creature. Pig Rats com-

bine the feralcunningofa ratwith the voracious appetite ofa p^.

They’re tougher to kill than normal rats, but their bite is no

stronger.

Here

Abide

Monsters

Chapter

2:

Dwellers

of

the

Wastes

Mole Rats

CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE

Mole Rats have sharp claws and even sharper tusks that they use to

tear great chunks offlesh from their prey. Mole Rats arc either

huge rats or the result ofgene-splicing Kodiak bean with malad-

justed lab rats. Fortunately, they seldom run in packs laiger than a

halfdozenorso.

Intelligent Mole Rats

“What’s worse than a Mole Rat?” you might ask. How about ahuge, albino Mole Rat with a hideously enlarged brain case? Only

a few ofthese lurk in the darkest recesses ofthe Wastes, but those

few are horrendous enough. Some are smart enough to speak.

(Well, they may be smart, but they still don’t have opposable

thumbs.) Show them what good tool users we primates are and

slag them from a distance with heavy weaponry.

Normal Rats

50-90

120-250

Intelligent Mole Rats 80

At the time ofthe war, robots

were just making their appear-

ance in the average suburban

household, but the military still

had the largest number ofactive

robots. The robots that are still

running are found in isolated

former military bases or ones

that have been restored by settlements with the sophisticated technology needed to keep

them running.

Robots arc tough, but they are vulnerable to the Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP)

Grenades. When you fight robots, sprinkle EMP Grenades liberally.

Fioating Eyebots

The Floating Eyebot is a quick-observation robot commonly

found in prewar military installations. The Floating Eyebot uses a

powerful electric prod (meldc attack) to keep intruders in line.

Mr. Handys

Mr. Handy, named for his large number ofhands, was sold before

the war as a general-chore and utility robot.These days, you can

still find a few ofthese tough units being used for other duties. Mr.

Handy’s tough hands make good mdlde weapons, and he can be

hard to stop ifhe’s hostile.

Robobrains

The Robobrain is ajack-of-all-trades robot. They have hands and

are usually armed with assault rifles. The chimpanzee, or other pri-

mate, brain that was implanted into them makes them excellent

guard robots. It’s rumored that some were set up to accept human

brains, but this has neverbeen proven.

Sentry Bots

Armed with both a rocket launcher and a minigun, the Sentry Bot

packs quite a punch. Use cover when you try to bust this tank and

ask your party members to wait foryou elsewhere ifyou value their

company.A couple ofEMP Grenades will help soften up thisbruiser.

Here

Abide

Monsters

Chapter

2:

Dwellers

of

the

Wastes

1CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE EPS 1Floating Eyebots 60 Electric prod: 7-37 275

Mr. Handys 60-80 1-7 240-280

Robobrains 80 By weapon 300

Sentry Bots 100-120 Rocket launcher: 10-30;

Minigun: 9-25

500-600

Spofie

The semi-intelligent, predatory Spore Plant has two types of

attack:They can shoot thorns and, ifyou get close enough, they

will lash out with a melee attack. Spore Plants grow only a few spe-

cialized shooting spikes at a time, so a Spore Plant barrage is

always brief. Also, the plants are rooted in place, so they’re easy to

slay fiom a distance or even avoid entirely.

1 CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE EPS 1' Spore Plants 40 1-4 85

Turrets are robots that can’t move from their starting location. ATurret’s optical sensors are

no more keen than human eyesight, so you can always try to sneak past one. Avoiding a

Turret is the best way ofdealing with it, but ifyou must fight, use large weapons, EMPGrenades, or explosives (dynamite atplastique) to quickly destroy it.

FloorTurrets

These Turrets slide up fiom concealed floor plates to a ready firing

position and have a 360® field of fire.

.->V '.

"g

1 CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE EPS 1FloorTurrets 250 By weapon 300

Wanamingos are tough, very fast, and resistant to laser weaponry.

Where they came from or what they’re doing here is unknown.

They aren’t intelligent in the usual sense, but they do seem to have

a hive-mind mentality. They’re usually seen underground and in

groups.

1 CREATURE HIT POINTS DAMAGE EPS 1Wanamingos 120-160 1-17 500-600

You will encounter many ofthese creatures in yourjourney, but you will encounter no

creature as frequently as the most dangerous creature ofall—man, ofcourse.

You aren’t the only one winding your way through the Wastes. Many others travel to make

their homes in the settlements built from the remains ofthe beforetimes. Most are wary of

newcomers, just as you are wary ofthe seasonal traders that come to your village. Trust, like

life, comes hard in the desert.

The people you meet look different from those ofyourTribe, yet many Wastelanders

share similarities that can give you an idea of their profession or how dangerous they might

be in a fight. As different as they all are, humans are, in some ways, the easiest to predict.

However, some of the peoples ofthe desert are not even human at all. But human or not,

you’ll be able to find a chosen few that will become close companions.

I will tell you what 1 know ofthe people you may find.Those who wish to die ofold age,

surrounded by their loved ones, quickly learn not to take people, or situations, for granted.

Keep your wits aboutyou when dealing with strangers.

y^astrels

of

the

Wastelands

(00)

In a sense, all are travelers—none ofthe peoples know where theywill end up or how they will get there. In this sea ofuncertainty,

you must quickly appraise the people you deal with—whether eachone is a combatant or a less threatening civilian. Appearance will

tell you much.

You can’t always tell ifsomeone is a loyal guard or a gun for

hire by their gear, but wearing heavy armor and holding weapons at

the ready are certain marks ofwarlike ability, if not proficiency.

Some travelers may be difficult to sort out: townsfolk, travel-

ers, or local gang bosses? It’s not always easy to determine who’s

who. Ifsomeone isn’t dressed for combat, that doesn’t mean they

can’t, or won’t, fight—but it does usually mean that they’ll at leastlisten to what you have to say fint.

Some people are a bit harder to judge because they're not really

people in any normal sense. I’ll tell you what I mean.

Some characters were once human, but have been changed into something else in the years

since the bombs scorched the land. Both Ghouls and Super-Mutants were changed by

man—one accidentally, one intentionally.

Ghouls

Ghouls were once humans, but they were caught outside ofa pro-

tective Vault when the bombs dropped. The same radiation that

turned their flesh into parched leather has given them an incredibly

long life span. Those closest to the blast zones are still so radioac-

tive that they continue to glow. These Glowing Ones, as they’re

called, have had some oftheir intellect burned away as well.

Shunned by the people of the Wastes, most Ghouls have little to

live for.

<

Super-Mutants

The Master created Super-Mutants after the bombs fell by using a

specially designed vims (the F.E.V. vims) to turn purc-strain

humans into powerful warriors.The Super-Mutants thus created

were to become the Master’s own personal army ofshock troops.

However, the virus didn’t work as anticipated. The humans turned

into powerful bmtes, but as their muscles grew, their minds shriv-

eled.The more intelligent Mutants were given uniforms as a mark

ofrank and authority, bur they were few in number. Now, 80 years

after the Master’s defeat, fewer still Super-Mutants remain alive.

Most humans fear Super-Mutants—few places offer them peace.The day ofthe Master’s Mutant army is now passed, but some

people say that the experiments continue. The worst horrors are

always created in the name ofscience and progress.

However, whatever the source, help and companionship

should not be scorned. Companions can make the burdens you

must face much more bearable and obstacles much easier to

overcome.

Some people may seek to join you on yourjourneys. The pft offriendship is the most valu-

able gift of all. You may find companions, or party members, that have the same strengths as

your cwn, but a wise traveler will ask those who have different skills to join him. Ifyou’re a

Charisma Boy, you will profit by asking those who can fight to join you; Combat Boy should

seek the help ofthose with Science or Repair Skills; and Stealth Boy should find compan-

ions to assist him in any area with which he isn’t proficient.

Unless your merry band is already as large as it can get, you should always ask a willing

companion to join you. Ifyou later find another companion who is better suited to your

needs, you can always send one ofyour less useful companions away.

True companions—party members—will stick with you wherever you go.A briefdescription ofall the party members you can find in the Wastes is listed below. You’ll find

party-member NPCs that can join you in different areas throughout the game. So, the start-

ing location ofeach of the potenrial party members is part oftheir description. Ifyou have to

meet special requirements before an NPC can join your party, they’ll be listed in the sectionofthis book that covers the NPC’s starting area.

V^astrels

of

the

Wastelands

Chapter

2:

DweUers

of

the

Wastes

Every party member

is able to fight, with vary-

ing degrees ofskill. Most

NPCs are also proficientvnth one special skill that

they’ll use for you or for

the other party members.

Some ofthese skills, such

as Barter or Outdoorsman,

are assumed to be operat-

ing at all times, while

others, such as Science or

First Aid, are used only at

your direction.

Some party members arc fickle and mtU join you only while you’re in a specific locatioi

or to accomplish a specific task.These fair-vreathcr friends will be discussed in the descrip

tion ofthe area in which they’re found (see Part 2).

You can have only as many

Non-Player Character (NPC)

companions as one half of

your Charisma Stat Ask as

many companions as you

can to join you. If you hnd a

better companion later in the

game, you can give your less

desirable companions the

bum's rush.

Cassidy

"Cassidy is totally bored in sterile Vault City. Ifyou can promise

him some excitement—and you can—he’ll add his considerablecombat talents to your group.

Cyberdog

Cyberdog can be activated in the New California Republic and is agood ally in a scrap. Cyberdog has no special talents, but is loyal to

a fault, as long as you remember to oil him every now and then.

Davin/Miria

Davin or Miria will become your f^thiul spouse until death do you

part (or you sell them into slavery) ifyou marry one ofthem in

Modoc. Neither ofthem has any useful skills whatsoever—they’lljust take up one ofyour party-member slots and nagyou constantly.

Goris

Goris isn’t a human at all—he’s much, much more. When you findhim in Vault 13, he mayjust decide to tag along with you. He’s

something ofa combat monster.

Laddy

Laddy is a dog that will loyally follow you

once he becomes your iiiend in Modoc.

He has no special skills beyond his loyalty,

but has a real nice coat.

%Lenny theGhoul

Lenny can join you in

Gecko. He is a doctor and

a big&n ofthe originalVault Dweller.

When you talk to some of the

more interesting and impor-

tant people in the game, you'll

see a close-up of the charac-

ter's head as you hear the

person talk to you. Myron,

Marcus, and Sulik are talking

headsXhat can join you on

your adventures.

Marcus the Mutant

Marcus is the head ofthe Broken Hills community and is ready to

try something new, once his problems are taken care of.

Myron

Myron is a crack scientist working in NewReno. Ifyou can stand his wcasely, know-

it-all attitude, he’U help you with his

Science Skill.

Wastrels

of

the

Wastelands

Chapter

2:

Dwellers

of

the

Wastes

Robo-Brain

Robo-Brain is yours for the making—just plug the brain ofyourchoice into a robot body and throw the switch. Different brains do

different things, but don’t pick the Abbie Normal brain.

Sulik

Sulik is a primitive tribesman—like you. He doesn’t have muchhigh-tech weaponry, but his mel6e skills arc unmatched. He’s an

outstanding Outdoorsman, and will guide you and your group

through the Wastes in relative safety.

Vie the Trader

Vic canjoinyouin the Den—for a price. His special skill is Repair.He does such a good job offixing things that he usually ends upwith extra parts.

Friends will help you to survive the trials thatyou must&ce on

yourjourney. But you’ll need more than just friends to get by.

You’re going to need gear, and lots of it. Next up. I’ll tell you what’s

worth packing and what you should pawn offon the first rube you

run into.

People beyond the Great Bridge, which separates our

village from the world, seem to find immense satisfyc-

tion in coliecting scraps and leavings from the time

before the great fires. Somehow, this link to the past

gives them comfort. OurTribe is different in that we

gain our happiness from forging new beginnings and

we gain our security in relying upon our abilities,

rather than artifacts from a time gone by. However, for

all that, to travel the Wastes one must adopt, to some

degree, the ways and objects of those who make their

homes there. The things of the beforetimes may poi-

son your soul if you rely upon them --butbecause they

will help you survive, they are needed.

— cAc SaaA tie. ' tOSud Setuau

I f.-

eapons and armor are among

the most useful items that you can

find. With my help, you'll be able to

determine what's worth using, or at least

packing along with you, and what's best left for

the rats and Radscorpions closing in on the corpse of your last foe.

If you don't know what to pick up and what to leave you’re not going to

last for very long. Your survival often hinges upon having the proper protec-

tion and weaponry as much as your skill. Out on the sands of the Wastes

being out of armor, and out of ammo, equals being plumb out of luck.

me-‘V

r/^ , 1^1

Even ifyou’re a silent Stealth Boy, a diplomatic Charisma Boy, or something in between,

eventually you’ll meet someone who’ll listen only to your weaponry. You better know which

end to point at them and what’s likely to happen when you do so. There is no single best

weapon in Fallout!, but some weapons are better suited to specific uses than others.

People have alwaysexcclledat findingways to kill one another. The dangers of the

Wastes pro\ide ample inspiration for creating, and unearthing, all manner ofweaponry. In

Fallout!, weapon descriptions are divided according to the type ofskill you’ll need to meld

each weapon.

^ Small guns—Slug-throwing pistols, sub-machine guns, rifles, and shotguns

^ Big guns—Flamers, miniguns, rocket launchers, and other larger supportweapons

Energy weapons—Both pistol- and rifle-sized laser and plasma weapons

^ Unarmed—This skill is used for weapons like brass knuckles as well as barefists and feet

^ Melee weapons—Hacking, slashing, and thrusting weaponryThrowing weapons—^Throwing spears, knives, and grenades

Spears and rocks can be either thrown or used in melee. However, these weapons are

listed just once, in the Mel6e Weapons section.

In the foUowing sections, the best tactical use for each type ofweapon is followed by

game information about each ofthose weapons. Each listing starts with the weapon’s name,

followed by the amount ofdamage that it inflicts. Quite a few guns have more than one way

you can fire them, calledfirt modes. Different fire modes have different ranges associated

with them, and different Action Point (AP) costs as well. Generally, the more shots you

squeeze offwith each pull ofthe trigger, the shorter the accurate range, and the more Aft it

will cost you. Here’s a quick overview ofthe two basic fire modes:

^ Single shot mode—Most guns fire just one shot at a time.

^ Burst mode—For each firing action, several shots (three or more) are fired atyour target. If other targets are adjacent to your target (or in the line of fire),

there’s a good chance that they’ll get sprayed with a few stray shots, which isn't

so great if some of them are your companions. You’ll also bum through ammoat an alarming rate. These are good reasons to use discretion when shooting in

burst mode.

Single-shot weapons have only one row of information, which covers the damage per

shot, the distance that the weapon can fire with good accuracy, and the AP cost to fire thegun. Weapons with more than one firing mode have one row ofinformation for each way

that you can fire them. Ifa weapon is capable offiring in burst or full auto mode, the rate of

fire (ROF) for that weapon is listed in the damage column. Remember that each bullet can

cause the same damage that’s listed for the weapon’s single-shot damage. Some machine

guns don’t allow single shots at all, so their first row tells you how much damage each bulletinflicts, and the rows showing the available fire modes tell you how many ofthose bullets arefired at your target.

Ifthe weapon is a mel6e weapon, different attack modes (for example, a swing instead of

a thrust) will be shown rather than a different number ofarracks in the damage column.

After the damage, range, andAP cost columns, the minimum Strength Stat needed towield the weapon competently is showm. The next column describes the ammo types with

Ammo Abbreviations

There are several different types of aminunition, each with its own abbreviation.

AP (Armor Piercing)—This round has the best penetration at the cost ofsome damage.

Ball—Your standard, no-nonsense lead slug.JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point)—This round has reasonable penetration andthen mushrooms inside its target to cause more damage. Its jacket allows it

to chamber smoothly.

FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)—This round is most often seen in militaryweapons, has good penetration, and feeds easily into the weapon's

chamber.

rifibo

which you can load the weapon. Some weapons can use more than one type ofammo, but all

fire modesfor each weapon are still available no matter what kind ofacceptable ammo you

slap into the magazine.

Guns that can use more than

one type ofammo have the ammotypes listed (see the sidebar on the

preceding page for a description of

the abbreviations used with some

ofthe ammunition).

The last column shows the

cost ofthe weapon.This is an ideal

cost—ifyou sell the weapon, youprobably won’t get as much, and if

you buy it, it will cost you more.

The weapons (and armor too) are

organized by cost, from cheapest to

most expensive, within each cate-

gory ofweapon. Cost is a good way to judge the relative, overall usefulness ofa weapon—so,essentially, the weapons arc listed fiom least dangerous to most lethal.

You can use a weapon even if

you don't meet its minimum

Strength Stat You'll suffer a

20% to-hit penalty with that

weapon for each point of

Strength that you lack, as you

struggle to bring your weapon

around for another attack, or

fight to keep the recoil from

knocking you to the ground.

SmaiiSmall guns arc the first firearms that you’ll acquire.A Stealth or Charisma Boy may decideto never become proficient in any other sort ofweapon. Some ofthese guns are very com-

mon, so the odds are good that you’ll find ammo when you need it.

Pistols

Pistols arc useful for beginners, but grab somethingwithalongcrrange and more damage

potential as soon as you can. Pistols serve best as your first firearm early in the game, or as an

emergency backup for your primary weapon.

Note

WEAPON DAMAGE RANGE APCOST

MINIMUMSTRENGTH

AMMO COST

10mmAutomatic

Single 5-12 25 5 3 10mm AP orlOmmJHP

$250

.44 MagnumRevolver

Single 12-18 20 4 5 .44 MagnumJHP

$600

Desert Eagle Single 10-16 25 5 4 .44 FMJ or.44 JHP

$800

14mmAutomatic

Single 12-22 24 5 4 14mm $1100

9mm Mauser Single 5-10 22 4 3 9mm Ball $1500

Needier Single 12-24 24 5 3 HN NeedierPack

$2300

.223

Autoloader

Single 20-30 30 5 5 ,223 FMJ $3500

PPK12 Gauss Single 22-32 50 4 4 2mm EC $4500

Weapons

Chapters:

Needful

Things

When you need more close-in firepower than a pistol, but can’t afford the risk ofhitting

a friend with burst fire, the right weapon for the job is a shotgun.

One ofthe biggest drawbacks ofa pistol is the low ROF. The answer to that problem is

the sub-m*achine gun (SMG).

Sub-Machine Guns

Sub-machine guns can shoot single shots as well as bursts, so they have excellent tactical

flexibility and damage potential.The only downside is that overusing burst mode vrill empty

your magazine in a hurry.

10mmSMG Tommy Gun HSKPOOc M3A1 Grease Gun

RANGE APCOST

10mm SMG Single 5-12 25Burst: 10 shots 20

Tommy Gun Single 3-20 32Burst: lOshots 16

H&KP90C Single 10-20 35Burst: 3 shots 30

MINIMUMSTRENGTH

lOmmAPor $100010mm JHP

.45 caliber $1200

.45 caliber $2500

Shotguns

Going hunting for humans?A nice sho^n blast at close range is just what the doctorordered. Ifyou can find a Combat Shotgun with an increased ammo capacity, you 11 be onevery happy hunter.

1 WEAPON DAMAGE RANGE AP MINIMUM AMMO COST 11 COST STRENGTH

Sawed-Off Single 12-24 7 5 4 12ga. shell $600Shotgun

Standard Single 12-22 12 5 4 12ga. shell $800Shotgun Double barrel 14 6

Combat Single 15-25 22 5 5 12ga. shell $2750Shotgun Burst; 3 shots 18 6

H & K CAWS Single 15-25 30 5 6 12ga. shell $4750Burst; 3 shots 20 6

IContinued on next page}

Chapters:

Needful

Things

(Continued from previous page!

WEAPON DAMAGE RANGE APCOST

MINIMUMSTRENGTH

AMMO COST

Pancor Single 15-25 35 5 5 12ga. shell $5500

Jackhammer Burst: 3 shots 25 6

Pistols, SMGs, and shotguns are good weapons when you’re close to your foes, but if

you want to knock ’em down from afar, there’s riothing better than a rifle.

Rifles

Rifles are wonderful for two reasons. First, they allow you to reach your target from a long

distance (and you know that distance is your friend, right?). Second, rifles generally use a

large, lethal cartridge. Big damage from far away—itjust doesn’t get much better than this,

Limited Edition (end

Reguiarl Red RyderBBGua Pipe Ritte Hunting RiRe Sniper RiRe

I

WEAPON DAMAGE RANGE APCOST

MINIMUMSTRENGTH

AMMO COST1

Red Ryder

BB GunSingle 1-3 22 5 3 BBS $200

Limited

Edition Red